Scrumptious Swiss Oats and Fruit Ok, so it won't let me link you right to the recipe, as it is a pdf file. So, this is the home page. Look in the middle under recipes and you will see this recipe.

You all know I LOVE ZONYA! Don't know who she is? You must google Zonya's Health Bites and see if her PBS TV program guide comes up. For me, it is usually Saturday mornings.

So, now that fall is coming, and that cold weather always leaves me wanting something cozy and warm in the mornings, her awesome oatmeal recipe was a must post for my followers! ENJOY!

Been Gone TOO LONG!

Sorry everyone....took a little break from my blog...life gets crazy, ya know?



However....I am back! WAHOO!



I am excited to start posting and spreading some great info and tips again.



Can you all sense Fall in the air? I could totally tell today, just a little chill this morning. I am now gearing up for fall mode. LOVE IT!



How did swimsuit season fair for everyone? If not so great, don't give up! Don't spend another winter hiding under enormous sweaters and sweats...let's start ramping up that metabolism and shed a few pounds before the Holidays. Check back for some great exercise tips and recipies.

Ramp up your work out with Plyometrics!

What is Plyometric training?

Plyometric exercises are specialized high intensity training techniques used to develop strength and speed. These exercises enable the muscles to reach the maximum force in the shortest amount of time. These are usually explosive, high intensity muscular contractions, like jumping and hopping. Jumping from the floor to a box, 'Burpee's', explosive jumps in the ...etc.

Adding a set of plyometrics to your routine once or twice a week will show incredible results in balance, increased speed and agility. It is always best to do these drills on some kind of cushioned floor or, grass.

Here are a couple to try!

Balance Drills

The Payoff: Improves balance; strengthens ankle, knee, and hip joints.

1. Jump and Sticks

Jump from and land on the balls of both feet. Jump high, not far. Land with knees bent and hold two to three seconds before jumping again. Alternate jumping 10 yards forward and sideways.

2. Two-Way Hops

Start balanced on your right leg. Hop two to three feet forward onto your left leg. Hold for two seconds to regain balance. Stay facing forward and hop back to the start position onto your right leg. Now hop onto your left again, but move sideways, then back. That's one set. Do three more, then repeat the drill starting on your left leg.

Natural Muscle Magazine Article

I am so excited that my hero, Tosca Reno, was featured in the November issue of

Natural Muscle Magazine!

There is a two page spread on her, you can check it out here....ENJOY! (Pages 56-57)

*There is also a great pumpkin recipe on the next page over from her article...yummmmm!

Two Thanksgivings!

How cool is this....I get 2 Thanksgivings each year. Since I am Canadian, I still celebrate my Thanksgiving. Then in November, as I am a resident of the USA, I celebrate again! Lucky me!

....or unlucky me? Twice I have to figure out how to do this without gaining unwanted pounds or offending excited relatives by not trying their festive culinary holiday delights.

Of course, my exercise hero, Tosca Reno, has once again done some awesome leg work for us! I am posting her amazing Clean Eating recipe for one of the holiday favorites, Sweet Potatoes. I will be making this at my house, try it at yours! Enjoy!

Lemon and Cinnamon Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients:
3 good-sized sweet potatoes, scrubbed and trimmed of fibers
1 1/2 cups / 360 ml apple juice
1/3 cup / 80 ml agave nectar
1 tsp / 5 ml ground nutmeg
1 tsp / 5 ml ground cinnamon
1 tsp / 5 ml freshly grated lemon zest
1/2 tsp / 2.5 ml sea salt
3 Tbsp / 45 ml best-quality olive oil
Juice of one half lemon

Preparation:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F / 190°C.

2. Prepare a large baking dish by spraying with Eat-Clean Cooking Spray or a touch of olive oil. 3. Place sweet potatoes in a saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and let simmer until just tender. Don’t overcook the sweet potatoes – you want them a bit firm. They will finish cooking in the oven.

4. Drain sweet potatoes and set aside to cool. Peel if desired. Cut into rounds 1/4-inch thick and lay them in the baking dish. Don’t overlap the pieces of potato.

5. In a heavy saucepan place apple juice, agave nectar, nutmeg, cinnamon, lemon zest and salt. Simmer over low heat for several minutes. Add olive oil and lemon juice. Stir well. The liquid should now be syrup. If not thick enough, simmer a little longer. Pour the warm syrup over the sweet potatoes.

6. Place the baking dish in the oven and bake the sweet potatoes for 20 minutes or until hot and fragrant.

7. Serve hot.

Nutritional Value for a 5-Slice Serving of Sweet Potatoes: Calories: 148 Calories from Fat: 60 Total Fat: 7 g Saturated Fat: 0 g Total Carbs: 33 g Fibers: 2 g Protein: 1 g Sodium: 233 mg Cholesterol: 0 mg

Summer is gone....

Fall is once more upon us! I love fall....I love the smells and the colors. I love wrapping up in blankets and sweaters, sipping hot drinks...running through piles and piles of leaves. I love that first morning you wake up and feel that chill in the air. Fall baking is the best! Apples and soups, and stews....hearty beans and chili's...YUM!

The year before I turned 40 I started running in my garage. I would turn on my space heater and jump on my treadmill, wearing two or three jackets and gloves and a big hat. Hilarious! That daily adventure got me started on my current exercise path. Now I have a lovely gym in my basement, cool in the summer, warm in the winter. I get a little nostalgic for my crazy garage run days...hmmmm....

I am going to post a few of my favorite fall recipes for you to try.

They are either ones I have found and loved,

or ones that I have created, and modified to make them healthier.

Go grab that favorite quilt and enjoy the recipes!